Ex-pharmacist sentenced for fraud

Ohio officials say a former pharmacist convicted in a $2.1 million health care fraud scheme has been sentenced to 41/2 years in prison.

Barbara Elise Miller of Coshocton was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Akron.

A statement from Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, the state insurance director, says Miller’s conviction stemmed from charges that she defrauded state, federal and private medical insurance companies. Prosecutors say she also was ordered to pay $2.1 million in restitution.

Authorities say Miller owned Three Rivers Infusion and Pharmacy Specialists in Coshocton, in east-central Ohio, and carried out the scheme between 2003 and 2009.

Authorities say Miller used a false provider name, overstated time needed to provide injections and made fraudulent claims about drug dosage.